Photos: Why this Qatar World Cup is the most expensive in history

This year’s World Cup, which is set to begin on the 20th of November, will be the most expensive FIFA tournament in history, costing $220 billion, almost 20 times what Russia spent in 2018.

Ever since Qatar was awarded the bid to host the World Cup in 2010, the Gulf state has been building monuments that will accommodate an anticipated 1.5 million visitors at the region’s first ever World Cup. The huge increase in costs is partly attributed to new World Cup stadiums and infrastructures, according to recent reports. 

On the contrary, the costs of the 2006 World Cup in Germany appear almost insignificant at $4.3 billion. The previous highest budget was the $15billion spent by Brazil in 2014, while South Africa coughed out $3.6 billion four years prior. 

So what exactly makes Qatar different? 

The building of stadiums cost around $6.5 billion to $10 billion, and the remaining bulk of $220 billion was used as part of the broader Qatar 2030 National plan, which centres around developing infrastructure, including construction of an innovation centre with hotels, a sophisticated metro network, and airports. 

Some fun facts: 

1 This is the first World Cup to be staged in the Middle East and, as a result, the first winter World Cup due to the intense heat of the Qatari summer. 

The hosts are the only nation making their debut this year, kicking off the tournament against Ecuador on November 20. 

5 England are fifth in the Fifa world rankings behind Brazil, Belgium, Argentina and France. 

19 Fans will be able to drink alcohol for a whopping 19 HOURS per day as part of the desert festival - but pints are expected to cost at least £8 each. 

26 The average temperature in Qatar in November will be around 26°C, dropping to around 21°C in December. 

The number of players allowed per squad is also increased by three to 26 - with all 15 reserves available from the bench. 

32 This World Cup is the last with 32 teams across eight groups of four in Qatar - but next time in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026 there will be 48 nations involved.